The sound of the belt’s metal buckle being undone cut sharply through the stillness of the deep night, the faint clink ringing out especially harshly in the silence.
The sudden noise shattered the stagnant air of the study and completely destroyed the last shred of hope lingering in Su Nian’s heart.
At this moment, Su Nian sat weakly on the floor, her limbs limp, her face frozen in shock as she slowly lifted her head—a motion as slow and stiff as a paused frame.
The bright moonlight streamed in through the window, like a thin veil draping gently over her, illuminating her exquisitely beautiful yet terrified face with startling clarity.
…..
…..
…..
For a moment, Su Nian’s cheeks flushed a deep, vivid red, as if blooming with shame.
She snapped her eyes shut, desperately trying to escape the reality before her, as if that alone could banish the humiliating image from her mind.
As if that would protect her last ounce of dignity—like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, deceiving herself.
She had once been a man, a knight; now she was a beloved girl idol sweeping across the Continent and the youngest Distinguished Instructor at the Magic Academy…
Why did she have to face this…?
….
“Ding dong, Master’s task triggered. It is recommended the host obey the Master’s orders… to gain more Humiliation Value.”
“Upon completion of this task, 100,000 Humiliation Value will be awarded, along with a special item: [Magic Headband]. Failure will result in a deduction of 100,000 Humiliation Value.”
“[Magic Headband] S-Rank: A headband capable of changing color and length freely according to the host’s needs. When equipped on the “head” slot, grants +25 Magic Power and increases spellcasting strength by 25%.”
“When equipped as an “accessory,” decreases spellcasting strength by 50%, reduces physical strength and speed by 80%, but increases Humiliation Value gain efficiency by 30%.”
….
After a brief moment of frustration, Su Nian carefully read through the system’s task and its rewards.
100,000 Humiliation Value…
And an SS-Rank magical equipment!
But she was a little puzzled by the item description.
The attribute boost when worn on the head slot was quite good—after all, it wasn’t a primary weapon.
An equipment that could increase so many stats was already very strong.
But what did that line about equipping it as an accessory mean?
It would actually reduce magic strength and physical ability—wouldn’t that be a purely negative effect?
The only redeeming feature was the 30% boost to Humiliation Value gain efficiency.
Forget it!
The real question now was… should she complete this task?
The system text gradually faded away before Su Nian’s eyes until it vanished into nothingness.
The Horned Demon Bastard who had been nothing but a background figure suddenly reappeared before her again.
Su Nian looked up at the man in front of her with a face full of hatred.
He always bullied girls!
“Ding dong, absorbed disdain emotion. Annoyance Value +32.”
“Ding dong, Humiliation Value increased by 7,061.”
“Ding dong, Annoyance Value +7,061.”
Chu Tian’s gaze was deep and dark, tinged with a hint of amusement, mockery, and a conquering desire—as if admiring a fine piece of art or appraising a lamb awaiting slaughter.
For some reason, once his mindset shifted and he resolved to rapidly accumulate Annoyance Value from Su Nian, watching the girl glare at him with utter contempt took on a peculiar charm.
That absolute disdain and dislike for him, yet powerless resignation…
Delightful!
Meanwhile, Su Nian’s conflicted feelings filled her with unbearable shame and torment, like being roasted over a fire or trapped in an icy cage, unable to escape.
“Hurry… do it yourself.”
“Otherwise… I’ll have to do it.” Chu Tian picked up his Magic Phone, which had a built-in camera function.
Seeing the Horned Demon Bastard’s movement, Su Nian’s reflexes kicked in and she instinctively wanted to get away.
How could she forget the days when the Horned Demon Bastard had threatened her with photos?
But just as she began to stand, “Click.”
Chu Tian pressed the camera button on his Magic Phone, capturing this moment.